Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has fallen on his own sword and resigned after the Oranje’s disastrous 2012 European Championships where they exited without a point.
Van Marwijk, who had guided the Dutch to the 2010 World Cup final, quit his post, with the decision confirmed by the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB).
“On the initiative of Bert van Marwijk, the KNVB and Bert van Marwijk decided on Wednesday to end the coach’s contract with immediate effect,” a KNVB statement read.
The 60-year-old boss received plenty of criticism following the Netherlands’ dismal campaign in Poland and Ukraine where they lost all three group games. There was also talk of rifts within the squad and criticism for negative tactics on van Marwijk’s behalf.
Van Marwijk himself said:”I have severe doubts, but have decided to take this step anyway.”
Meanwhile, the KNVB insisted they were grateful for his achievements, having coached the side to only four defeats in 45 matches prior to the Euros.
“We are grateful to Van Marwijk,” KNVB director Bert van Oostveen said.
“He performed exceptionally well at the 2010 World Cup and in getting us to the top of the Fifa World Ranking. Of course it is sad to part company with him, but we must be realistic.”